November, 2012

So, am I the only one who didn't pay much attention to the stunt when the guy broke the sound barrier? I guess 8 million people watched it live, but when I saw the story on the web, I thought, "Ho hum." It's not that it wasn't a feat, and must have been incredibly frightening and cool at the same time, but I was hardly overwhelmed with excitement. And, here's the kicker, I didn't even read the writing all over the guy's suit. There. I said it. I didn't even notice it. Sponosors' logos on sportswear have become ubiquitous. Like graffiti, they make people's eyes glaze over.

And yet, marketing people are all abuzz about the marketing genius of Red Bull Stratos further blurring the lines of differentiation between advertising, cause marketing and blatant self-promotion.

Was this a brilliant was to sell more product? Probably. As a non-user of energy drinks in general, my loss is no big deal to them. Besides, I'm hardly in the demo.

The author goes on to brag about the excellence of the Red Bull Air Race. Again, Ick. Why?

The Air Race is loud, intrusive and annoying. And it wastes a ton of fossil fuel! Sorry, I just can't get behind the "genius" of a company that pollutes the air all in the pursuit of tens of millions of dollars. Yes, I think free enterprise is a good thing. And no, I don't think that profit is inherently bad. I just think that being environmentally respectful is everyone's responsibility. I also resent the subliminally intended advertising. That's no good for anybody.

Here's some of what's happening on The New Jazz Thing on Monday, November 5, 2012...

George Cables! The great Jazz pianist's new release "My Muse" is at #1 on the Jazzweek Jazz Charts for the top disc in all of Jazz Radio and he will be with us in Hour 2 of The New (7-8 PM PT) to talk about this fantastic New work! Update: listen to the interview here!

Lots of great new Jazz vocals being added to the Jazz 88 Music Library this week, including former San Diegan Cath Eckert (known now as Cat Conner), plus Big Band, Guitar (with and without Organ), some well known players (Houston Person, Frank Kimbrough), and some international Jazz. You can hear it all debuted Monday, November 5, 2012 from 6 to 8 PM PT on The New Jazz Thing with Vince Outlaw!

Here's some live video of Cat Connor to wet your whistle for The New...